Cyclists gain access to Santa Clarita Valley nature trail

October 04, 2012

(Anne Cusack / Los…)

Cyclists are praising the county’s decision to grant them access to a popular Santa Clarita Valley nature trail, despite the objections of hikers’ groups.

Bikes were prohibited from Canyon Trail in Newhall’s Placerita Canyon Natural Area until 2007, when the county mistakenly posted a "multi-use" sign at the trail head. The nearly two-mile route quickly became a cyclists’ favorite. But hikers complained and last year the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation corrected the signs.

On Wednesday, the county reversed itself, saying it would permit mountain bikes on Canyon Trail. The usage would be contingent upon certain modifications, such as additional signage and choke points to slow down bike traffic, and erosion control measures, according to a statement issued by parks officials.

Officials also decided to keep a prohibition on bikes on the Heritage Trail at the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in Agua Dulce to protect “significant cultural resources,” there.